NOACA names Grace Gallucci new executive director

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency has named Grace Gallucci as the organization's new executive director.

Gallucci begins her new position July 1 and replaces longtime director Howard R. Maier, who plans to retire.

NOACA is a transportation and environmental planning agency that represents state, county, city, village, and township officials.

The organization is based in downtown Cleveland and addresses the transportation, air quality, and water quality needs of Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties.

Advertisement

NOACA plays a key role for many Northeast Ohio projects that seek state and federal funding as local governments often submit projects to NOACA for consideration.

Gallucci returns to Ohio after she served the past five years as senior deputy executive director of finance and performance management, and as deputy executive director of research, analysis and policy development for the Chicago Regional Transportation Authority.

She previously held leadership positions with the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, eventually serving as office of management and budget executive director before she left for Chicago in 2007.

"It is very exciting to be a part of the growth and revitalization of one of America's truly great cities," Gallucci said. "I am eager to serve in the capacity of executive director, but more importantly, I am eager to serve my community," Gallucci said.

She has a master's degree in urban studies from Cleveland State University and a master's in public administration from the University of Dayton.

Euclid resident Ed Jerse, who is NOACA's governing board president, thanked Maier for 23 years of service to NOACA.

"We look forward to a new era for NOACA with Grace Gallucci," Jerse said. "She comes to us with impressive credentials and extensive experience in the Cleveland area. We are confident she will be a strong leader for the agency."

Maier said Gallucci's experience should help NOACA's transition to her leadership.

"She brings expertise in accounting and finance, long-range planning and managing people--skills that have been fine-tuned through experience," Maier said. "I know that Grace will capably handle the responsibilities and challenges of the planning environment we face at NOACA."